PD for Teachers: PD sessions were held for teachers from Social Studies, English and Science Department. Project Goal 1: The goal of the Professional Development session was to introduce teachers to nonfiction eBooks and show how to gain access to the collection. In addition, lesson plan ideas were presented to show how the Common Core Curriculum may be supported by technology and eBooks collection. Project Goal 2: The goal of the project is to use technology ( iPads and nonfiction eBooks – those that are unlimited and can be accessed simultaneously) to support the Common Core Curriculum and help bridge the literacy gap across content areas and therefore empower as many students as possible with College Readiness Skills. Lesson Goal: Students will utilize technology and explore a variety of nonfiction eBooks to gain a better understanding of content. How do you know the goals were achieved? I think the goals were achieved from both the students’ and teachers’ perspectives. Most teachers, especially those from the Humanities Department, were enthusiastic about the professional development session held to introduce them to the eBook collection. Additionally, they liked the fact that they could be accessed easily and simultaneously. Most teachers’ classrooms on one of the floors are now equipped with Smart Board and laptops, therefore this will make it easier for teachers to access resources via the library’s catalog. The students all appreciated the fact that they were able to use eBooks as class resources. Students in the smaller classes were allowed to use iPads to access eBooks. Based on students’ responses to class activities and their eagerness to visit the library and use the different technology, I would say the goals were achieved. Tips on implementing at another school:
When purchasing eBooks, a memo should be sent to all teachers, not only APs, in order to get all teachers input in suggesting titles.
Professional development sessions should be held to familiarize both students and staff with eBook features/icons on both the iPads and desktop computers.
Both students and teachers should be introduced to the eBook collection.
Purchase a few print versions of eBooks titles
Order books at varying reading levels
Lessons Learned: Although a memo was sent to all Assistant Principals to inform them of the purchasing of eBooks and requiring their input in suggesting titles, many teachers were not aware of the memo and were not given a chance to browse titles. All teachers should be aware of the suggested eBooks list. Lessons plans should be flexible so it’s easier to make adjustments for low level readers and English Language Learners. Students should be encouraged to take their headphones for texts that allow reading.
Plans for usage of material next year: In keeping with the demands of the Common Core Standards, all nonfiction eBooks purchased will be utilized next year. It is likely that more teachers will be using eBooks as other classrooms are being equipped with SmartBoards and many iPads have been purchased recently. I would definitely purchase more eBook titles that cater to all disciplines. I would like to continue helping teachers to create worksheets for eBooks and encourage teachers to use Google Docs.
Lesson Plan: Exploring Non Fiction eBooks
Unit Plan Title
Exploring Nonfiction eBooks
Unit Summary
Nonfiction eBooks titles will be used in order to:
Expose students to a variety of reading experiences
Help students get a better understanding of complex topics
Help develop students’ critical thinking and writing skills
Improve vocabulary.
Unit Essential Questions
How can the various icons of an eBook assist in locating information? (Example – Dictionary and Book Information icon)
What are the purposes of reading informational text?
How can informational text features assist in navigating text and provide additional information needed to understand content? (Example – Index, Charts, Photos)
How can an individual understand complex topics by reading informational texts?
How can informational text be used to develop critical thinking and improve writing skills?
Unit Instructional Objectives
Students should:
use icons and different features
identify the differences between features of an eBook and those of print
recognize the difference sections of eBooks
explain how graphical representations will enable them to have a better understanding of text
Standards
Common Core State Standards Library Information Fluency Continuum ISTE Standards ELA Standards Social Studies Standards
Exploring Non Fiction eBooks
Librarian: Bethany Eccleston-Webber, becclestonwebbe@schools.nyc.gov
Grade Levels:9 -11
2 Content Areas Addressed: English/Social Studies
3 Worked With Teachers: Mrs. Parker, Mrs. Pearson
4. Title of Project: Exploring Nonfiction eBooks
**http://ebookslessons.wikispaces.com/**
- Resources Used: Computers, eBooks, iPads, Headphones, Worksheet,
Google DocsPD for Teachers: PD sessions were held for teachers from Social Studies, English and Science Department.
Project Goal 1: The goal of the Professional Development session was to introduce teachers to nonfiction eBooks and show how to gain access to the collection. In addition, lesson plan ideas were presented to show how the Common Core Curriculum may be supported by technology and eBooks collection.
Project Goal 2: The goal of the project is to use technology ( iPads and nonfiction eBooks – those that are unlimited and can be accessed
simultaneously) to support the Common Core Curriculum and help bridge the literacy gap across content areas and therefore empower as many students as possible with College Readiness Skills.
Lesson Goal: Students will utilize technology and explore a variety of nonfiction eBooks to gain a better understanding of content.
How do you know the goals were achieved?
I think the goals were achieved from both the students’ and teachers’ perspectives. Most teachers, especially those from the Humanities Department, were enthusiastic about the professional development session held to introduce them to the eBook collection. Additionally, they liked the fact that they could be accessed easily and simultaneously. Most teachers’ classrooms on one of the floors are now equipped with Smart Board and laptops, therefore this will make it easier for teachers to access resources via the library’s catalog.
The students all appreciated the fact that they were able to use eBooks as class resources. Students in the smaller classes were allowed to use iPads to access eBooks. Based on students’ responses to class activities and their eagerness to visit the library and use the different technology, I would say the goals were achieved.
Tips on implementing at another school:
Lessons Learned:
Although a memo was sent to all Assistant Principals to inform them of the purchasing of eBooks and requiring their input in suggesting titles, many teachers were not aware of the memo and were not given a chance to browse titles. All teachers should be aware of the suggested eBooks list. Lessons plans should be flexible so it’s easier to make adjustments for low level readers and English Language Learners. Students should be encouraged to take their headphones for texts that allow reading.
Plans for usage of material next year:
In keeping with the demands of the Common Core Standards, all nonfiction eBooks purchased will be utilized next year. It is likely that more teachers will be using eBooks as other classrooms are being equipped with SmartBoards and many iPads have been purchased recently. I would definitely purchase more eBook titles that cater to all disciplines. I would like to continue helping teachers to create worksheets for eBooks and encourage teachers to use Google Docs.
Lesson Plan: Exploring Non Fiction eBooks
Library Information Fluency Continuum
ISTE Standards
ELA Standards
Social Studies Standards